The advantage of visiting the Ukraine compared to other European cities is that EU citizens do not need visas to visit, which makes entry into the country a lot easier. From Kiev's international airport, it takes about 30 minutes by taxi or bus to the center of Kiev. If you live in a first class hotel, as I did, you can certainly book a minibus ride in advance at a reasonable price. But of course they help you with anything else you might need as well.
They speak Ukrainian in Ukraine but all understand and speak Russian if that suits you better, they also make use of the Cyrillic alphabet. The English skills among the population, including the younger ones, are unfortunately quite scant. But you can get around if you make an effort.
One specific reason to visit Kiev is the city's many cathedrals and churches that are newly renovated and really nice to look at. Furthermore, one should not miss the city gate "Golden Gate" or a stroll along Naberezhne that runs along the city's lifeblood, the river Dnepr. The city's infrastructure is not the same as Western Europe, which means that one must beware of where you put your feet when you deviate from the fine boulevards, when all sidewalks on side streets have not yet been refurbished. But I guess this is a part of the city's charm.
If you do not like to walk, here is a modern metro with which it is easy to get around. The city's boulevards are very impressive and stately and here are all the fine shops that you find at home, and more. Unfortunately, the prices of imported goods are very high because of the weak Ukrainian currency. The purchases that pay off best are goods produced within the country. Prices of food in the city's many restaurants, which offer most kitchens, are somewhat below western European rates. Examples of boulevards where you will find exclusive shops, and above all fine examples of classic architecture is Khreshchatyk, where you pass the Freedom Square, but also Tarasa Schevchenka that intersects the past. In the case of alcoholic beverages shall be invested in purchasing domestic-produced vodka, which costs about €2 - €5 per liter, depending on brand and quality. There is no use in buying non imported drinks like champagne and the like, as these are sky-high prices and you can drink it when you come home.
Click the link to read more about the City of Kiev.
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